Discovering Mindfulness Part 2 – Mindful Yoga

Mindful Yoga

This morning I got up and practiced yoga and mindfulness meditation with the sunrise in my backyard. Morning is a great time of day to practice mindfulness, as your mind is at it’s clearest after a full night’s sleep. There is also something profoundly spiritual about being outside while your part of the earth is waking up and coming to life.

Try This!

I started by sitting in bound angle pose and drawing my attention to my breathing. I envisioned exhaling old anxiety and stress and inhaling new life and fresh ideas. I then began tuning in to my senses, starting with hearing. I briefly closed my eyes to heighten this sense. I focused on the chirping of birds and the sounds of the wind moving through the trees. I opened my eyes to take in the sights of the world around me. I noticed the drops of dew on the grass, the movement of the trees in the breeze, and the delightful interactions of squirrels, rabbits and birds in the morning.

Mindful Movements

I felt the cool breeze on my skin as I began sun salutations. I felt the release of tension throughout my body with the stretching and flexing of my muscles. As I rose from a forward fold and swept my hands above my head, the morning sun was just starting to peek over the roof of my neighbor’s house. I was dazzled by its bright, warm rays and closed my eyes, allowing it to warm my face and light up the insides of my eyelids. I felt in sync with Mother Nature, and I was grateful for that moment.

Relax Body, Mind and Emotions

During Savasana, I gazed up at the sky and found myself filled with gratitude. I was thankful for the health and strength of my body. I felt truly blessed to be experiencing the visions, sounds and sensations of the earth. The anxiety and worries that usually taint my everyday life seemed small and insignificant compared to the wonder and magnitude of the world around me. I felt calm and relaxed, refreshed and renewed.

What a way to start the day!

Yogasync Me! Sun Salutations come in many forms…try this one with Chaturanga, Up Dog and Down Dog to aliven the whole body:

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About Ivy Shelden

Namaste! My name is Ivy, and I am a writer and motivator of creative minds. As a woman, a mother and a human being, I believe that honesty and open-mindedness are the keys to connecting us all. Over the years I have enjoyed practicing Hatha, Restorative and Prenatal Yoga. However, I am lucky to get in a few “oms” between chasing around my 2-year-old son. I live in the Midwestern region of the USA which is home to good music and barbeque. You can find more of my writing at www.thewideopenmind.com.